The SETC is proud to partner with organized labor and recognizes the efforts of unions to create good jobs and opportunities to advance in careers for workers. Integral to the success of sector-based workforce development in New Jersey, unions contribute knowledge and expertise about labor markets and industry skill needs, a structure for successfully providing registered apprenticeships, and experience in collaborating with diverse partners.

One notable effort is the New Jersey Pathways Leading Apprentices to a College Education (NJ PLACE) initiative. NJ PLACE is a nationally recognized best-practice program that is the result of strong partnerships between organized labor, the State Employment and Training Commission, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, higher education, and other key partners. Through NJ PLACE, individuals can earn college credit for registered apprenticeship programs to give them a head start toward earning a degree at any of New Jersey's community colleges.